
d. Project workshops and meetings

e. Field exchange visits

4. Other matters arising

Opening

The Project Leader (PL), Fred Kizito opened the meeting with a brief presentation on the
overview of the project scope. Project partners include Dr. Fred Kizito, Dr. Namara Regassa
and Dr. Pamela Katic and Mr. Edmund K. Akoto-Danso from IWMI; Prof. Charles Quansah
and Dr. Wilson Agyare from KNUST; Dr. Emmanuel Obuobie from CSIR-WRI and Dr. Karbo
Naminong from CSIR – ARI.

As a background, the PL indicated the main aim of the project, which is undertaken in the
Lawra and Tolon-Kumbugu Districts, was to provide information on tools and methods that
can be used to scale-up and out proven water management interventions that have a high
potential for increasing agricultural productivity.

The PL shared with the group the project work plan and research design. It was stated that
the field instrumentation for the project has been purchased and will be arriving soon. The
instrumentation expected includes Pyranometer, Anemometer, Soil water content Echo
Probes and other data loggers.

The PL ended his presentation by stating some of the expected outputs and capacity
strengthening component of the project. This includes training of famers, technology
transfer on soil and water conservation, provision of aerial maps showing biophysical and
socioeconomic factors and also reports on best practices on irrigation techniques. The
capacity strengthening also includes participatory video experience, best practices in
irrigation techniques and soil and water conservation manuals. He further discussed the
project budget with the partners present.

Updates of progress made



1. The PL mentioned about his earlier meeting with Prof. Quansah. Highlights of the
meeting include possibilities of combining automated measurements with access
tube measurements; selection of community trainers i.e. trainer of trainees (AEAs);
location for on-site for both Lawra and Tolon; and dates for field visit.
2. Field visits conducted by the PL the previous week indicated that the field trials
were well laid out and work is progressing as expected.
3. The project currently has a communication tool/blog for project exchanges:
(http://sustainablewatermgt.wordpress.com). This serves as an update platform on
progress made and also archives project datasets and literature.
4. The challenge we face is how to achieve quick wins within the project timeframe; we
are optimistic that this can be achieved.

Next Steps
On the way forward, the team itemized the following:
1. IWMI is working on the release of funds for partners which should be sorted out
soon.
2. The team had discussions on water harvesting techniques. The team discussed on
how best to cover the water harvesting pond proposed for one of the farmers to
reduce water loss. For the top of the pond, it was proposed that the cover be in “V”
shaped so as to harvest enough water.
a. We have to also consult SARI who had a mechanism like a concrete pot put on
the ground in their small scale irrigation schemes.
b. Other proposals include water harvesting systems like dug out or
c. dams/ reservoirs to harvest the water.
3. On the group of people to be trained, it was agreed that, we train all the available
Agricultural Extension Agents (AEAs) in the Region of interest.
a. We also need to spend more time on the Extension Agents (who could
transfer the knowledge gained) rather than the farmers.
b. It was noted that even though the training will focus on the AEAs, it will be
done at the field and hence the farmers will get the opportunity to see what
is been done and learn.
4. Field exchange visits were proposed for the farmers to learn from each other. Fred
and Emmanuel will be discussing further on the field exchange visits.
5. In terms of logistics for field work, Prof Quansah indicated that, the group will go
through the training manual. Each participant will be given a manual.
a. The AEAs will have the detailed manual
b. whilst Farmers will be given the pictorial manual.
c. Prof. Quansah will be organizing for 15 copies of the manual and also the
other logistics needed for the training will be provided to the PL for funds.
6. Partners who will be joining the team for the field work scheduled for 18th – 21st
September, 2012 include Dr. Fred Kizito, and Mr. Edmund K. Akoto-Danso from



IWMI; Prof. Charles Quansah, Dr. Wilson Agyare and a PhD student from KNUST; Dr.
Emmanuel Obuobie from CSIR-WRI and Dr. Karbo Naminong from CSIR – ARI.


Project partner meeting summary

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Project partner meeting summary